Naruto Watch Order: The Ultimate Guide (Including Movies)
So, you're ready to dive into the amazing world of Naruto, huh? That's awesome! But with so many episodes, movies, and even a sequel series, figuring out where to start and what order to watch it all in can feel like trying to decipher one of Orochimaru's forbidden jutsu scrolls. Don't worry, my friend! This ultimate guide will walk you through the entire Naruto saga, including all the movies, in the perfect order so you don't miss a single Rasengan or heartbreaking moment. Trust me; you want to experience this journey the right way! Let's get started, believe it!
Why Watch Naruto in the Right Order?
Okay, before we jump into the list, let's talk about why the order even matters. Naruto isn't just a bunch of random episodes thrown together. It's a carefully crafted story with character development, plot twists, and overarching themes that build upon each other. Watching episodes out of order can lead to major spoilers, confusion about character relationships, and a general feeling of being lost in the ninja world. Imagine trying to understand Sasuke's motivations if you haven't seen his backstory – it just wouldn't hit the same! Plus, some of the movies are designed to fit within specific points in the timeline, and watching them earlier or later can mess with the story's flow and impact. Think of it like trying to read a book with the pages all shuffled – it's just a mess! So, to truly appreciate Naruto's epic tale of friendship, perseverance, and ninja adventures, following the correct watch order is essential. You'll thank me later when you're not scratching your head, wondering why everyone's suddenly talking about the Fourth Great Ninja War when you thought they were still in the Chunin Exams!
The Complete Naruto Watch Order:
Alright, here's the main event! This is the definitive Naruto watch order, combining both the original series and Naruto Shippuden, along with the movies at their ideal viewing points. Get your ramen ready, because you're about to embark on an unforgettable journey!
Naruto (2002-2007):
This is where it all begins, guys! We meet Naruto Uzumaki, the hyperactive, knucklehead ninja with a hidden power and a dream of becoming Hokage. Get ready for lots of training montages, hilarious moments, and the beginnings of some seriously deep friendships.
- Episodes 1-19: Introduction to Naruto and Team 7.
- Episodes 20-80: Chunin Exam Arc – This is where things get real!
- Episodes 81-96: Search for Tsunade Arc.
- Episodes 97-100: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 101-106: Land of Rice Fields Arc.
- Episodes 107-135: Various filler episodes.
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow – Watch after episode 101. This movie is a fun, self-contained adventure that doesn't spoil any major plot points.
- Episodes 136-141: Various filler episodes.
- Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel – Watch after episode 160. Another standalone movie that's perfect for a break from the main storyline.
- Episodes 142-147: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 148-151: Search for the Bikochu Beetle Arc.
- Episodes 152-157: Various filler episodes.
- Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom – Watch after episode 196. Enjoyable movie with great action sequences.
- Episodes 158-220: Sasuke Retrieval Arc – Get ready for some serious feels!
Important Note on Filler: The original Naruto series has a significant amount of filler episodes (episodes that aren't based on the manga). While some filler episodes are entertaining and offer more insight into the characters, many fans choose to skip them to speed up the viewing process. I've marked the filler arcs in the list, so you can decide for yourself whether you want to watch them or not. There are plenty of online guides that list specific filler episodes if you want to be even more selective.
Naruto Shippuden (2007-2017):
Fast forward a few years, and Naruto is back, stronger and more determined than ever! Naruto Shippuden follows Naruto's journey as a teenager, as he continues to train and face deadlier enemies. The stakes are higher, the battles are more intense, and the emotional moments will hit you right in the feels!
- Episodes 1-32: Kazekage Rescue Arc.
- Episodes 33-53: Sasuke and Sai Arc.
- Episodes 54-71: Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc (Filler – can be skipped).
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie – Watch after episode 71. This movie is generally considered non-canon but can be enjoyed as a separate adventure.
- Episodes 72-89: Akatsuki Suppression Arc.
- Episodes 90-112: Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant Arc.
- Episodes 113-118: Various filler episodes.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2: Bonds – Watch after episode 126. This movie has some cool action but doesn't fit perfectly into the timeline.
- Episodes 119-133: Five Kage Summit Arc.
- Episodes 134-143: Various filler episodes.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: The Will of Fire – Watch after episode 151. A solid movie with a compelling storyline.
- Episodes 144-151: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 152-175: Pain's Assault Arc – Prepare for some serious heartbreak and epic battles!
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4: The Lost Tower – Watch after episode 175. A time-traveling adventure that's fun but not essential to the main plot.
- Episodes 176-196: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 197-214: Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5: Blood Prison – Watch after episode 221. An interesting movie with a unique setting.
- Episodes 215-222: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 223-256: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation.
- Episodes 257-260: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 261-270: Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax.
- Episodes 271-278: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 279-295: Fourth Shinobi World War: Conclusion.
- Episodes 296-302: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 303-320: Fourth Shinobi World War: The Aftermath.
- Episodes 321-348: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 349-361: Kakashi's Anbu Arc: The Darkness Within (highly recommended filler).
- Episodes 362-375: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 376-377: Obito Uchiha's story (highly recommended).
- Episodes 378-388: Various filler episodes.
- Episodes 389-390: The birth of Naruto (highly recommended).
- Episodes 391-393: Various filler episodes.
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie – Watch after episode 393. Highly recommended movie that offers a unique